The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will continue to engage veterans in its efforts to tackle the evolving security challenges in the country.

Abubakar stated this on Saturday at the Chief of the Air Staff Veterans’ Parley held at the Tactical Air Command (TAC), Nigerian Air Force, Makurdi.

Represented by AVM David Dickson, Director of Personnel Management, NAF Headquarters, said that experiences of the veterans were invaluable to the service quest to restore enduring peace in the country.

He stated that the veterans were key to NAF successes, adding that their advice and support were needed as the country grapples with insecurity.

The CAS disclosed that the service under his leadership has neutralised thousands of bandits and insurgents in the Northeast and other parts of the country.

Abubakar pointed out that NAF, in the last two years, destroyed thousands of houses owned by the criminals and destroyed hundreds of their motorcycles in the process.

He said the Federal Government had procured several platforms and inducted the same, adding that many were still being expected in 2026.

The CAS, however, urged serving officers to plan ahead for their retirement for a better life after service, saying that careful and early planning for retirement was key to a better life after service.

Abubakar assured that the current NAF administration does not joke with issues of staff welfare, especially those that concern her veterans.

“Even if they are retired, they are not tired. They are still part of the NAF family at any time, any day.

“As part of our efforts to boost personnel welfare, 480 projects were initiated by the current administration to improve both office and house accommodation,” he said.

The Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Tactical Air Command (TAC), Makurdi AVM Patrick Obeya, said the event underscores the high regard the service holds for those who “once bore the burden of duty and honourably served the nation”.

He said the theme “Retirement Challenges and Opportunities to Veterans of the Nigerian Air Force” was not only timely but deeply strategic, as it spoke directly to the post-service realities that retired personnel navigate.

“We must commend the CAS for prioritising this important conversation, which reflects his abiding commitment to the holistic welfare of NAF personnel, both serving and retired.

“Your footprints, sacrifices and service continue to define the path we walk. This lecture is intended not only to enlighten but also to empower and to equip you with knowledge, tools, and inspiration for the journey ahead.

“We also look forward to hearing your insights, concerns, and suggestions, especially as the Nigerian Air Force intensifies efforts to develop a long-term strategic plan for veterans’ administration.

“Your voice remains a vital compass for policy improvement and implementation,” he said.
He said the service would tap into the vast experiences of their veterans, adding that the CAS parley was one such event to achieve it.

“It is in such fora that we can get information on how to address some of the challenges.

“You see, some of these problems may have emerged in the past, and from their experiences, we can address them.

“Secondly, it’s also a forum to let the veterans know that we deeply care about them. Care about their welfare and their wellbeing.